Decoding Deepak

Decoding Deepak is a documentary film released in 2012. It is directed by Deepak Chopra's son, Gotham Chopra. The film is essentially a chronicle of a year in the life of Deepak Chopra, an Indian-American author, public speaker, and alternative medicine advocate. It offers an intimate and honest look into the personal and professional life of one of the most prominent figures in the self-help industry.

Throughout the course of the movie, Gotham follows his father around the world as he travels to different speaking engagements, conferences, and workshops. The film offers a behind-the-scenes look at Deepak's life and his work, much of which is focused on his spiritual and philosophical teachings. However, the film also touches on more mundane aspects of Deepak's personal life, such as his relationship with his family and his struggles to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way it depicts Deepak Chopra's persona. On the one hand, he is shown to be an incredibly charismatic and engaging public speaker, capable of captivating large audiences with his spiritual teachings. On the other hand, the film also shows Deepak in his more vulnerable moments, when he struggles with the pressures of fame and the demands of constantly being in the public eye.

As the film progresses, it becomes clear that Gotham has more than just a passing interest in his father's work. In fact, one of the central themes of the movie is the tension between Gotham's more secular, Western worldview and Deepak's more Eastern, mystical beliefs. At times, Gotham comes across as skeptical of his father's teachings, and the film offers a glimpse into the sometimes strained relationship between the two men.

One of the film's strengths is its global perspective, as it follows Deepak Chopra to a number of different countries, including India, Peru, and Russia. The film also features interviews with a number of Deepak's friends and colleagues, including musicians, authors, and fellow wellness advocates. These interviews provide important context for Deepak's work and offer a glimpse into the wider world of alternative medicine and spiritual self-help.

Overall, Decoding Deepak is a fascinating and thought-provoking documentary that offers a unique perspective on one of the most influential figures in the self-help industry. The film is both a portrait of Deepak Chopra as a person and a window into his teachings and philosophy. It is a well-crafted and visually stunning documentary that is sure to appeal to anyone interested in spirituality, wellness, or the self-help industry more broadly.